Downing Looking Forward To Derby

Stewart Downing thinks that this weeks Cup and Derby games are the perfect way to erase the Sunderland memory.

Speaking to the Official Site Downing said that he thinks the two games have come at the right time following our defeat in the last game as the team will simply have to be upbeat and positive over the coming days.

'We're at home and we need to win to get past the last 16. We're looking forward and we've got to take the positives from the defeat, Birmingham is obviously going to be tough.'

Having tasted derbies whilst at Boro and knowing the rivalry that exists with the Blues, Downing knows what to expect.

'I played in the one at Villa Park last year, it was a tremendous atmosphere. We need a win to be honest, we need to kickstart things and keep going but it will be tough.'

A good win against Burnley and then a derby victory would certainly raise people's spirits.